Denver Archbishop rebukes Catholics who plan to vote for Democrats

Jardine Malado Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila from the Archdiocese of Denver | Wikimedia Commons/Aleteia Image Department

The archbishop of Denver has warned Catholics against voting for the Democratic party in the coming elections due to its support for abortion.

In his article titled "Voting as a Catholic in 2016," Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila noted that both presidential candidates from the Republican and Democratic party were disliked by many voters. He stated that he also has the same aversion for both candidates but he suggested that people should look at the party's platforms instead.

Aquila pointed out that the Democratic party has been aggressively campaigning in favor of abortion. He added that the party wants to appoint justices that are pro-abortion and overturn the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortions.

He also touched on other issues such as health services and religious liberty. He advised Catholic voters to be aware of each party's policies regarding those issues.

"There are some issues that can legitimately be debated by Christians, such as which policies are the most effective in caring for the poor, but the direct killing of innocent human life must be opposed at all times by every follower of Jesus Christ," said Aquila.

The archbishop warned that the nation falls in the manner of other great civilizations such as Greece and Rome if it loses its respect for human life.

Aquila also rebuked those who suggested that the Church needs to change its teachings regarding abortion, same-sex unions and euthanasia.

"The Church cannot change her teaching on these issues without denying Christ," he warned. "She would cut herself from the vine and only wither away, as promised by Christ. The further we move away from Jesus Christ and his teachings, the more will our churches empty," he added.

The archbishop encouraged Catholics to vote while noting that most will be faced with the choice between the lesser of two evils. He also reminded Catholics in Colorado to vote "no" against Proposition 106, which will legalize physician-assisted suicide.

Donald Trump has recently praised Aquila's leadership in his letter to the Catholic Leadership Conference which was held in Denver last week.